More on Human Suffering

In the previous post I asked the question "Does God cause or allow suffering?". Then I suggested that God allows it and cited Job 1 as a reference. In this place we find God giving Satan permission to tempt Job. However we must also note that God set limits on what Satan could do to Job. The question would follow then "Why does God allow suffering? For what purpose? Are there scriptures to answer these questions? The answer would be found in James 1:2-4.

As we look at this passage in James we find him talking by inspiration about temptation. Such temptation serves to build character. If you haven't already done so get your Bible and read the passage. James uses the phrase "the proving of your faith. . ." . Isn't that what happened to Job?
God told Satan that Job was faithful and strong. Satan said that God had built a fence around Job to protect him. God told Satan to do whatever he wanted to Job only do not touch his body. God set the limits on what Satan could do to Job.

Without question there was much suffering involved in the loss of his family and his possessions. Keep in mind that this was not over a period of time but rather all in one day! There was also temptation involved. Temptation to blame God, to deny God, to curse God for allowing it to happen. Yet Job proved faithful.

When Satan saw Job's response he went to God again. God again set the limits. This time God allowed Satan to afflict Job's person. We find Job on the ash heap scraping the boils on his body with a piece of broken pottery. Again Job was faithful to God.

Job's suffering allowed his character to be seen by all. Not only that, it proved his faith. Would any deny that his faith was tested? This is part of the reason God allows suffering.

We have then established that God allows suffering in part to prove our faith. It should also be noted that we suffer at times in the form of discipline. That is, God disciplining us. Hebrews12:4-13.

The Hebrew writer uses Christ the perfect example to show us how to live, then he quotes the Old Testament prophet to remind us of the necessity of chastening (discipline). Following this we are told that God chastens those whom he loves, much like a father does his children. No one enjoys being chastened. We learn from this passage what we should already know, that chastening is only for "a few days". If we learn well we do not need to have the lesson repeated.

An interesting concept involved in this study is that of "learning obedience by the things suffered." Christ suffered and thereby learned obedience according to the scriptures (Hebrews 5:8).

Here is your thought question. "What type of obedience do we learn by the things which we suffer?"

Human Suffering

The subject of human suffering has stirred much controversy for a long time. I don't even pretend to know all there is to know about it. I took a class one time on a very controversial subject. Early on in the class the instructor said "I don't have all the answers, I don't even know all the questions yet." Such is the case with me.

In this entry we will seek to examine the following: Human suffering, is it real? Will Christians suffer? Does God allow or cause suffering?

Is human suffering real? You are probably saying DUH! We only have to look around us to see that people suffer. People of all sizes, shapes and kinds experience suffering. This suffering comes in many forms. Accidents, diseases, emotional are some of the sources of suffering.
The book of Job probably gives the most in-depth look at human suffering of any book in the Bible. Job suffered the loss of his possessions, his family, and his health. And if that wasn't enough his friends and even his own wife turned on him in his time of suffering. (Read Job 1-5 for starters.)

Will christians suffer? The answer is without question, YES. Some of this suffering is the result of sin (IPeter 2:20). Some is the result of our own stupidity. We all probably know what it feels like to hit your thumb with the hammer. I am reminded of the story of the fellow watching the little boy hit his thumb repeatedly with the hammer. He finally asked the boy why he kept on doing it. The little boy said "Because it feels so good when I quit." We suffer from all the maladies that every human does.

But what about suffering for being a christian? Again the answer is YES! We can look at the book of Acts to find that this is true. Notice Acts 5. Peter and others were imprisoned, brought before the council, and charged to keep quiet. In verse 29 Peter made the statement "We must obey God rather than men." Then when they were released the scripture says that they went away "rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer for the Name." (Acts 5:41). Was this really suffering? Weren't they glad to have been so treated? You can post a comment with your answer or wait until a later time for mine.

What about it, does God cause or allow suffering? I would like to suggest that He allows it. How do I know? If we go to the first chapter of the book of Job we will find the answer. For what purpose does he allow christians to suffer?

Yes you are at the right blog. We changed our name to more accurately reflect our intent and content. If you have a question you would like a Bible answer for please ask it in the comment section. I will publish an article to get us started probably this evening.

Welcome to Doom and Gloom Christianity. It is the purpose of this blog to explore Christianity in light of the Word of God. It is our intent to take a realistic look at living the Christian life. If you are looking for warm fuzzys and feel good without effort kind of stuff, this probably is not the site you are looking for. We hold the word of God, also known as the Bible. as the highest authority and the final authority. By nature this blog may stir up significant discussion about a variety of subjects found in the Scriptures. Rest assured that all who comment will be treated with respect and no attacks on ones person will be permitted.

I might also mention that we do not believe or teach that Christianity is all doom and gloom. Quite the opposite is true, it just depends on where you find your satisfaction. Feel free to make comments in good taste and ask questions. It is how we learn.